Spiderman 2 art director to speak to FilmFest contestants

A Hollywood production designer and ACU alumnus who worked on Spiderman 2 will be on campus Thursday to meet with FilmFest participants and other student groups.

Jeff Knipp, a 1981 graduate, is best known for his work as the art director for 2004’s Spiderman 2. As art director, he was primarily in charge of developing the look and mechanics of the villain, Doctor Octopus. He has also been the production designer for several hit television shows, including Nashville and the pilot episode of Friday Night Lights.

Caleb Williamson, a digital entertainment technology major from Thousand Oaks, Calif., said he is looking forward to hearing Knipp share his knowledge about the professional film world and the awareness this would bring to campus about FilmFest.

“Our goal as the producers of FilmFest is to make our presence known on campus,” said Williamson, who is one of the producers of FilmFest this year. “We have a lot available on campus for filmmaking, and while we don’t have a ‘film school’ on campus, we can grow even more as filmmakers by getting in there and doing it ourselves, becoming self starters.”

Williamson anticipates Knipp to share his experiences in story telling and film production along with advice for aspiring filmmakers.

“‘I’m not sure exactly what he will be sharing with us, but I am anticipating some question and answer time,” Williamson said.

Knipp will also speak at a COBA Career Connect lunch for business and journalism students on Thursday. He will be discussing the business needs for storytelling through television and film and how the two cross over.

Carlee Finkelstein, a senior marketing major from Plano said it would be great to hear the experiences and knowledge of someone who is well known and respected in the film community.

“I think its really cool having someone as involved as he is in the film industry on campus,” Finkelstein said. “I’m sure a lot of students could benefit from hearing his experiences in both the creative and business side of Hollywood.”